If there was ever a time for a show about space to succeed, it's now, according to Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

The astrophysicist spoke about the importance of science and his series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey during a keynote address March 8 at SXSW in Austin.

He had just learned that President Barack Obama would would deliver a special introduction before the series' Sunday premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

"With the President of the United States participating in the rollout of a scientific adventure, I think there is no better evidence that we do have a future that we can dream of," he said.

He added that he believes science is becoming cool again, noting that Cosmos is airing around the world and has received considerable media attention. He added that he's accumulated more than 1.69 million followers on Twitter.

"Do I remind you I am an astrophysicist?" he said to laughs. "It must mean that there is a hunger out there and it has not been filled. Comos is landing on fertile ground, and science is becoming mainstream."

Cosmos, produced by Cosmos Studios and Fuzzy Door Productions, is the first high-profile, multi-network launch for Fox Networks Group. The 13-episode series is premiering simultaneously on FX, FXX, National Georgraphic Channel, Fox Sports 1, FXM, Fox Sports 2, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo and Fox Life. It will be available on 220 networks in 181 countries.

Tyson said the series is unlike most documentaries.

"Your typical documentary has a lot emphasis on putting a camera on a topic, then you interview this expert," he said. "They are very informative. Cosmos always been more than that -- it takes the science that is out there, puts a thread through it and reveals how that matters to you. We like to think we have woven a tapestry with you at the center of it, woven in."